How to Care for a Leather Jacket

Leather is a complex material, but caring for it doesn’t have to be complicated. Take some time to learn about leather jacket care, follow the best care instructions, and you only need to apply this care from time to time to keep it looking good.

Table of Contents

Leather jacket maintenance

Keep your leather jacket waterproof. There are many products that are “skin protection” or “leather repellent”, but read the label instructions carefully before buying. A spray bottle of ppyme silicone or acrylic coppyme, will help preserve the look and shine of your leather jacket. Grease or wax based products are more protective, but are not recommended for coats because they can affect color, longevity, shine, and odor. ^{[1] X Research Source} Check the product label to find out how long the water resistance will last. Typically, the product needs to be reapplied every few weeks or months.

While this treatment will make the leather jacket more resistant to water damage, it will not be completely waterproof, even if you spray other curing agents. Never soak a leather jacket in water or wash it in the washing machine.

Occasionally apply the curing solution to the leather jacket. Applying a curing solution helps restore oil to the leather material, preventing dryness and deep cracks, but too much oil can clog the leather surface and affect the color or life of the coat. Apply the curing solution only when the coat begins to dry out or harden. Here are some tips for choosing a product:

Check the label to make sure it’s appropriate for your skin type. (This is mainly important for suede or nubuck leather jackets.)
It’s best to use pure mink oil, bovine oil, or other natural animal oils, but be aware that they can dull the skin’s color. ^{[2] X Research Source}
Products that contain wax or silicone can dry out the skin, but are cheaper options that are less likely to change color. ^{[3] X Research Source} Use sparingly.
Never use products that contain mineral oil or petroleum as they can cause significant damage. ^{[4] X Research Source} Also, avoid using “tanner soap,” at least on unfinished leather that doesn’t have a protective water-resistant coating. ^{[5] X Trusted Source US National Park Service Go to Source}

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Occasionally polish leather jackets. Polishing the leather will help keep your coat shiny, but has the potential to fade, dry, or clog the leather’s surface. Polishing should only be done for special occasions, and test on a hidden area before using on new products. Scrub with a cowhide cloth until you create a glossy surface. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

Do not polish suede or other leather with a frayed, soft cloth. It is not possible to make suede shiny without permanently removing this surface bond. ^{[7] X Research Sources}
Do not use shoe polish, even if it is intended for leather shoes.

Remove salt deposits with a damp cloth. In the wet conditions of winter, white salt deposits can form on the skin. Wipe the salt off with a damp cloth immediately, to avoid dry marks and cracks. Let the skin dry naturally, then apply the balm on the affected area.

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Let the skin dry naturally. If your jacket gets wet, hang it on a hanger to dry at room temperature. Remove items from bags to avoid straining wet skin, and away from direct heat sources, such as radiators or heaters. Apply the curing solution after it dries if the leather has been soaked in water for a long time.

Learn how to remove wrinkles from your skin. Storing coats on hangers helps prevent and eliminate minor wrinkles. If you’re concerned about large wrinkles, take your jacket to a professional leather cleaner. Alternatively, set the ironing temperature to the lowest setting (often labeled as “rayon”), place the leather under a cloth, and iron quickly. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

See care instructions for more details.

Washing leather jackets

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Read the instruction label. Almost all leather jackets sold in stores are equipped with a label showing how to wash the jacket. Since there are many types of leather, not all of which are distinguishable with the naked eye, follow the specific instructions on the label whenever possible. ^{[9] X Research Sources} The steps below are generally safe if done carefully, but no method is guaranteed to be safe on all skin types.

Gently wipe away dirt on the jacket with a brush or cloth. If your leather jacket has been stored in the closet for a while, it can collect dust. To avoid scratching or damaging the leather, use a dry cotton cloth, nubuck leather cloth, or camel hair brush. ^{[10] X Trusted Source US National Park Service Go to Source}^{[11] X Research Source}

Clean the finished leather with a damp cloth. Test the jacket first by pouring a drop of water on it. If water collects on the surface, it is safe to wipe dirt from the skin with a slightly damp cloth. ^{[12] X Research Source} If water penetrates and darkens skin color, water should not be used for cleaning.

Clean suede with a specialized brush or dry sponge. The “suede brush” can remove light dirt from suede, but can scratch other leather materials. You can try using a dry sponge as a cheaper option. Do not use this method on other skin, or on unspecified skin types.

This can work best if you hang the suede in a steamy bathroom first. Do not apply steam directly to suede with an iron or kettle, as heat can cause damage. ^{[13] X Research Source}

Rub the rubber eraser on the stain. This method is effective on suede, but test it on an obscured area before using it. Rub rubber eraser over dusty or dirty areas to separate new stains or ink stains from suede jackets. If bleach residue gets on the jacket, remove it with a mild vacuum cleaner or compressed air. ^{[14] X Trusted Source US National Park Service Go to Source}

This type of eraser is sometimes sold as a “clay eraser” and is available at craft stores. It is a powder-like substance that crumbles upon application. Don’t confuse it with “rubber eraser”, which looks similar but doesn’t crumble.

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Choose skin cleansers carefully. Use only a leather cleaning product that is suitable for your skin type, ideally one made by the same company that makes your jacket. Always test any cleaning product on an obscured area of skin to check for discoloration or damage, leave product on skin for at least 5 minutes, then wipe off with a clean cloth. If there is no harm, treat the affected part of the jacket according to the product instructions.

Suede or nubuck leather should only be treated with products made specifically for those types. Leather labeled as Aniline, Semi-aniline or dyed leather will likely be cleaned with an all-purpose leather cleaner, but always test in an obscured area first.
You can buy leather stain remover ink, but it’s usually not 100% effective if the ink is already dry. ^{[15] X Research Source}

Remove mold with rubbing alcohol or mild soap. If a leather jacket is moldy, which usually appears as white or gray fluff, mix the water and alcohol in equal parts. Gently wipe away the mold with a cotton cloth soaked in this solution. If that doesn’t work, try a mild antibacterial soap instead. ^{[16] X Research Source} Wipe off excess liquid with a dry cotton cloth when you’re done.

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Take your coat to a laundromat that specializes in leather. If the above methods don’t remove the stain from your jacket, take it to a dry cleaner that specifically advertises leather cleaning services. Always ask if your washer knows how to handle leathers and stains before handing over your coat to them.

Never wash leather clothing in a washing machine or sink.

Caring for leather jackets

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Hang on clothes hanger. A wide, padded clothes hanger is the best option to minimize wrinkles and stretch. Avoid using a clothespin, it will put a lot of pressure on a small area.

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Keep away from direct sunlight and heat. Direct sunlight can fade skin color or cause patchy spots. ^{[17] X Research Source} Heat can cause dryness and cracking, so store jackets in a cool place away from vents and other heat sources.

Advice

Wear a wrinkle-free leather jacket. Caring for and maintaining a leather jacket is important, but leather is a natural material and will enhance your style (or “personality”) through use. However, many people really like this look. This is especially true for riders with large displacement bikes or “bomber” leather jackets.
If the lining in your leather jacket is a little dirty, try using a vacuum to gently pick up the dirt.
There is no need to use “skin care products” or “skin-restoring products”, if you are using a modern skin care solution. ^{[20] X Research Source}

Warning

Always test a new skin care product on a small, hidden area of the jacket first. Leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes, wipe it off, then test its effects.

Things you need

(read the instructions before choosing to buy skin care products)

Skin protection solution
Skin care solution
Skin polishing solution
Padded coat hanger
Cloth or brush

Optional products:

Clay eraser
Cleaning alcohol
Leather laundry detergent
Leather laundry shop

Steps